Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit

1^st Annual Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

Sunday October 25^th 12-4pm

Come join us as we celebrate a day dedicated to pet health and education.  Add to that the fun and excitement of a Howl-0-Ween costume contest with food, raffles, vendors, live demonstrations, prizes, and entertainment for you and your pup!  It’s our 1st Annual Dog Ranch Pet Fair and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest! This event is free!  Proceeds from this event will go to the participating non-profit organizations.

·         Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest with Prizes ($5 registration fee)

·         Over 20 vendors

·         Live demonstrations

·         Raffle

·         Photo Spot - dress up your pup and take some fun pics

·         Food Trucks

plus a 15 minute Q & A session with Susan Blake Davis,CCN- Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist

Well behaved dogs only please. All dogs must be on leash and in control at all times. Please call Dog Ranch Bed & Biscuit for further information on this event and costume contest registration and details.

 

20401 Sun Valley Drive,Laguna Beach www.thedogranch.com 949-494-0484

Times Have Changed for Veternarian Care

In previous times, a veterinarian was more or less expected to do it all. This still holds true in many areas where specialty care is not readily available. What has changed is the increased availability of specialists, more and more speciality clinics are opening and the Internet has given you a world of information and specialist at your fingertips. It is important to remember that you must do your due diligence and make sure your sources of help are of the highest quality. Don't just believe everything you read! 

There are so many great veterinarians and many may really be "good at it all", but most realize their strengths and weakness. Just as in human medicine, they understand when to allow a specialist to step in and help your pet. Respect and cooperation between referring veterinarian and specialist is key to the smooth and effective handling of your pet’s care. This is especially true since specialists are typically brought on to address only one area of concern, but will refer you back to your own veterinarian for routine care or when the situation is finally resolved.

We at AskAriel.com  specialize in Holistic Pet Care and Nutrition services. Our nutritionist, Susan Blake Davis, provides expert advice about how holistic pet care can improve the health of your pet and can be used successfully along with conventional veterinary care. Based in Orange County, California, Ask Ariel offers holistic pet care and veterinary services for dogs and cats, including natural pet supplements and pet nutritional counseling. Our holistic pet care advice is backed by scientific research and our natural pet medications and supplements are third-party tested to guarantee the purity and effectiveness of the ingredients.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)," a veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed additional training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and has passed an examination that evaluates their knowledge and skills in that specialty area." The most common area of specialist veterinarian medicine include:

• Behavior: veterinarians with additional training in animal behavior 
• Dentistry: veterinarians who perform procedures on animals' teeth 
• Dermatology: veterinarians who study diseases and conditions of the skin 
• Emergency and Critical Care: the "ER docs" and intensive care specialists 
• Cardiology: the study of diseases and conditions of the heart and circulatory system 
• Neurology: the study of diseases of the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system Oncology: the study of tumors and cancer Microbiology: veterinarians who study viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. 
• Holistic Care and Nutrition: veterinarians working to make sure that animals' diets meet their body's needs for nutrients 
• Oncology: specialist who deals with the treatment of cancer 
• Ophthalmology: veterinarians studying diseases and conditions of the eye 
• Radiology: veterinarians who focus on the study of x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (often called CAT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging procedures that allow us to see "inside" an animal's body 
• Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation: veterinarians who focus on returning animals to normal function after injury, lameness, illness or surgery 
• Orthopedics: these surgeons focus on bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, etc. of the body's skeletal system 

To find a specialist in your area visit myveterinarian.com

What To Look For In A Good Pet Food

A good pet food should contain meat, poultry or fish clearly identifiable in the first ingredients.  There should be a healthy balance between protein, fiber, fats (especially Omega 3 fatty acids such as flax seed and fish oil) and a limited amount of carbohydrates. Even if a pet food  is “organic” or holistic, it may be filled with soy, potatoes, peas and flour, which can contribute to a variety of symptoms in some pets (allergies, UTIs, etc).  For example,  dogs on "grain-free"  dry dog food may still suffer with chronic yeast and skin problems because the food is filled with carbohydrates.    Pets need fresh ingredients in their food---add steamed green beans, chopped broccoli or butternut squash for extra fiber or nutrition.  Pumpkin puree is an excellent source of fiber and beta carotene and can help pets with digestive issues.  Avoid feeding just dry food---canned or raw are optimal along some homemade ingredients. For more information on pet nutrition see the article:  What do dogs eat? Dog Nutrition 101

New Year Resolutions for Pets

Happy New Year! It is the time of year when many of us are thinking about making resolutions. The most common resolutions for people can also apply to your pet.  So, as you begin your planning, be sure to include your pets and make 2014 the best year for both of you.

I will commit to a good nutrition plan

Just like people, good nutrition for your pet is the key to good health.  Often a  poor diet is responsible for health problems including obesity and associated diseases, skin and coat problems,  and allergies. Giving your pet a well balanced, age appropriate diet will help ensure a happy, healthy pet.  It is also important that the quantity of food that you give matches the life stage and activity level of your pet. Click here to learn more about what to look for in a good diet for your cat or dog.

I will commit to regular exercise with my pet
Regular exercise is important to keep your pet in good physical shape and reduce the risk of obesity.  It also reduces the risk of heart and joint problems.  It can be as simple as a daily walk or can be more strenuous depending on your pets physical condition. Exercise is a great way to bond with your pet and as an added benefit, an exhausted dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. To exercise a cat, you could play with them, making them chase a feather or string. 

I will commit to maintaining good grooming practices 
Regular grooming including, bathing, coat maintenance,toe nail clips, and teeth brushing (or non-anesthetic cleanings). They are not just to help your pet look good, but are important to their overall health.  Yes, no one likes a smelly dog or enduring “cat breath” , but they could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition.  If the problem does not resolve with regular grooming, please seek assistance from your veterinarian.  

I will commit to getting health check ups
A visit to your veterinarian regularly is a good way to stay ahead of any potential problems. Preventive care is much less expensive than waiting to deal with a major illness or condition and it can also save your pet from suffering.  Annual laboratory tests for all pets (even young pets) provides a “baseline” which can be invaluable.  Learn more about pet health conditions.

I will commit to keeping my pet safe
Keeping pets safe is something most pet owners take for granted, but there could be hazards lurking everywhere.  Take the time to make precautions in your home and yard.  Analyze what toxic substance your pet could gain access to and what chemicals are used in the area your pets reside. Also include an assessment of physical hazards such as fencing, choking hazards, swimming pools and anything that they could get caught on or fall from.

I will commit to ensuring my pet gets enough love and attention
Life gets busy and all too often, our pets take a backseat to other demands. Try to make time for your pet---quality can be more important than quantity.  Sometimes a neighbor or family friend may be eager to help you care for your pet and pet sitters can fill in for you on a long day.  Many doggie playcare places are affordable and can take the stress off of you if you are working long hours.

Pet Nutrition Seminar February 21st VCA Arroyo Lake Forest, CA

Come join us for a fantastic seminar where you can learn how to help your pet and help homeless animals at the same time! Ariel Rescue is hosting this Pet Nutrition Seminar on Saturday February 21st, 2009 10:30 am - 12:00 noon at VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, California.

Is your pet endlessly scratching and itching? Does your pet suffer from arthritis? Learn how to heal your pets using nutrition, supplements and holistic care. The course will cover the best foods to feed your pet, nutritional supplements for common pet health issues and the latest innovations in “alternative veterinary care” such as acupuncture, stem cell therapy and chiropractic for arthritis.

Instructor: Susan Blake Davis, CCN

Date of Class: Saturday 10:30-12 noon Feb. 21st

Location: VCA Arroyo Animal Hospital
1 South Pointe Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 (off Bake Parkway)
Class Fee: $15 per person
100% of proceeds donated to Ariel Rescue